Delusions are characterized as false and persistent beliefs that have no basis in reality.
Capgras syndrome is marked by a delusion that individuals hold where they insist that a particular person or number of people in their lives are replaced by an imposter. They tend to believe that this ‘new person’, looks similar to their significant other, family member, friend, etc., but isn’t the same person. This delusion is held so strongly that they refute any evidence or explanation provided to them which stands against their beliefs. Most individuals with the diagnosis of Capgras syndrome fall under the schizophrenia spectrum. In other cases, the individuals may be suffering from neurocognitive disorders that mark the degeneration of the brain.
Causes:
There exist several hypotheses which explain the cause of this syndrome. One such hypothesis revolves around the process of face recognition which suggests that there is a disconnection between the two paths in our brain that work together in recognizing a familiar face. One route is involved in recalling the previously registered physical information of the face that the brain has. This route is intact in individuals diagnosed with Capgras syndrome. However, the abnormality lies in the second route where the person fails to process the emotional feelings attached to that face. Thus, they believe that someone is an imposter even when they have similar physical features, but doesn’t feel like the same person whom they know.
Another hypothesis states that these individuals may hold suppressed negative emotions against the person whom they are misidentifying. Thus, it makes it easier for them to let out these negative emotions onto the ‘imposter’, than the real person whom they love.
Some other reasons can be due to brain injuries caused by an accident and brain lesions.
Treatment:
There is no proper treatment for this syndrome. Only its symptoms can be managed. Denying the delusional beliefs held by these individuals will only make them more angry and distressed. Psychotherapy can be used to ease these delusional beliefs, and to enhance the relationship between the client and the person who is being misidentified.
Pharmacotherapy where psychiatrists prescribe antipsychotic, antidepressant, etc., medications are usually common. Rehabilitation in cases of brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders can effectively manage the syndrome.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
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About the Author.
Simran Chahal is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.